THE SUNDAY SCRIBE (GUEST COLUMN): Joy Comes in the Morning — A Message of Hope for a Troubled Nation

By Rev. Dr. John Ademola IgePastor, Olodanbon Baptist Church, Ogbomoso

(Guest Writer for Ayekooto Media)

   

Rev. Dr. John Ademola Ige
Pastor Olodanbon Baptist Church Ogbomoso 

"Nitoripe, ni iṣẹju kan ni ibinu rẹ̀ ipẹ́, li ojurere rẹ̀ ni ìye gbe wà; bi ẹkun pẹ di alẹ kan, ṣugbọn ayọ̀ mbọ li owurọ." (Psalms 30:5)

After a deep reflection on the chronicles of human existence, King David made a conclusive, divine assertion: life might not smile at you today, but tomorrow shall undoubtedly usher in goodness from above. 

When David realized the magnitude of God's mercy and grace—the same grace that catapulted him to his zenith—he had to look back at his scars. He remembered the quiet anointing before his chaotic coronation, the deadly battle with Goliath, the endless victimization by King Saul, the heartbreaking disgrace from his own son Absalom, and the grim aftermath of the Bathsheba affair. Through all these fierce battles and eventual victories, he could confidently declare to the world: 'weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.'

Biblical scholars and believers universally agree that the household names in the scriptures did not experience smooth sailing. It is a profound biblical fact: gold must pass through the furnace of fire before it can be truly refined.

The Echoes of the Past and the Tears of the Present

Consider the completion of the new temple in the book of Ezra. The senior citizens of Israel had mixed feelings. They were happy for the revival of their worship center, yet they wept bitterly when comparing the majestic beauty of the old temple with the modest reality of the new one. Today, our own senior citizens are asking serious questions, begging for answers in a society that seems to have lost its old glory. But who will answer them?

The nation we find ourselves in today is tough, rough, and hard. To call it difficult is an understatement. We are navigating a bleak socio-economic reality where not even the most discerning prophets can emphatically predict what tomorrow holds. Things have been turned upside down. 

Consequently, the younger demographic—the Gen Z generation—is gripped by anxiety. Unsure of what the next minute holds, many have chosen to live only to please today, abandoning the hope of tomorrow. 

Yet, out of this thick darkness, God is speaking directly to our situation. All hope is not lost. Because He is divine, Almighty, and all-sufficient, our collective and individual joy shall arrive with the morning sun.

The God of the Morning: Proofs of Divine Provision

Throughout history, God has repeatedly demonstrated His amazing power of sufficiency. He truly knows our challenges and holds both the immediate and permanent solutions to them.

Jehovah Jireh: In Genesis 22:14, God revealed Himself as the ultimate provider in the darkest hour, supplying a ram in the thicket when Abraham was at the end of his rope. 

The Wilderness Experience: He gave joy to His adorable children in the wilderness in unimaginable forms: the miraculous exodus from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea for a safe passage on dry land, the daily provision of Manna, and the miraculous supply of quails until they reached the Promised Land.

Triumph Over Famine: We must never forget the severe famines recorded in scripture. During the great famine in Samaria, the economic collapse was so severe that human flesh was eaten, yet God turned the economy around in 24 hours. Similarly, the Widow of Zarephath looked at her last meal and told the Prophet Elijah, "We want to eat it and die." Yet, through divine intervention, she experienced surplus in the midst of a national drought. Reading the account of the widow's oil in 2 Kings 4:1-6 further proves that when God steps in, lack gives way to overflowing abundance.

He Uses the Unlikely to Fulfill the Impossible

God's ability to bring morning joy is not limited by human biology or social status. 

 Zechariah and Elizabeth, despite being righteous servants of God, had lost all hope of weaning a child. Yet, God was behind the scenes preparing a miracle, blessing them with John the Baptist, the famous forerunner of Christ. 

 Consider Mary, a young lady whose lineage was ordinary and hidden. She was chosen to bear the Savior of the universe. The ancient prophecies came to pass through her, and till date, hers is a name that cannot be overlooked in the annals of human history.

Trust and Obey

Joy shall undoubtedly come in the morning for those who firmly believe in the Lord. If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old anxieties and fears are passed away. 

Our God is the Unchanging Changer. As heirs to His throne, we can rest assured that He is actively working behind the scenes to change our circumstances for the better. Even when the night seems endlessly dark, hold on to your faith. 

Trust and obey, for your morning of joy is at hand.

For counseling and prayers, contact the guest writer:

Rev. Dr. John Ademola Ige

Pastor, Olodanbon Baptist Church, Ogbomoso

Phone: 08135767385